EARTHDAY.ORG CALLS ON BUSINESS LEADERS TO JOIN ITS CAMPAIGN TO PREPARE THE GLOBAL WORKFORCE, PRESENT AND FUTURE, FOR THE EXPANDING GREEN ECONOMY
Washington, DC (November 18, 2024) – EARTHDAY.ORG, the global leader in Earth Day advocacy, observed by over one billion people each April 22, is excited to announce the launch of a new campaign inviting business leaders worldwide to champion climate education in schools, colleges, and vocational training programs across the globe.
“Solving the climate crisis will require a long-term commitment. Future generations must understand what’s at stake: the basic science, the policy options, and the consequences. Toward that end, I strongly support including climate education in the educational curricula of all nations.” Brad Smith, President of Microsoft
Companies such as UPS, Microsoft, LinkedIn, and AXA Insurance have already pledged their support. We invite all global business leaders to join this critical initiative. From blue-collar workers to C-suite executives, both the leaders and workforce of today and tomorrow must be equipped with the knowledge and skills the green economy demands.
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“The world of work is changing rapidly, and we need people with the skills to combat the climate crisis, right now,” says Efrem Bycer, Senior Lead Manager, Public Policy and Economic Graph at LinkedIn. “Already, we have found, the hiring rate for green talent is 54.6% greater than the hiring rate overall. By helping current and future workers develop green skills, we will position them to access opportunities during this unique window and over the long term.”
The demand for green skills is already outpacing supply, with forecasts predicting that 100 million new jobs will be created in the green economy by 2030. It is essential for schools to prepare their students and graduates to succeed, contribute, and play an active role in driving this global economic transformation.
To support this effort, we are calling on business leaders to sign our letter championing climate education:
“We, the undersigned, support a global dialogue and commitment to address the critical importance of climate change education to our future. We believe that the development of high-impact climate education opportunities in primary and secondary schools, universities, and vocational schools at scale will inspire innovation and entrepreneurship and help build long-term economic growth and prosperity. Climate change is a multi-generational challenge that requires a multi-generational response. Climate education is vital to the future of business, public administration, consumerism, health, social equity and the very future of the planet.”
If you wish to sign, please reach out to Ryan Taylor directly at taylor@earthday.org. More details HERE.
“This isn’t rocket science – it’s business,” says Kathleen Rogers, President EARTHDAY.ORG. “By supporting the integration of climate education into all school and college curricula we can prepare the workforce needed to power the green economy, be it in construction, banking, infrastructure, renewable energy and beyond. This is what report after report says business leaders are asking for. Join us and sign our letter.”
About EARTHDAY.ORG: Founded in 1970 by the organizers of the first Earth Day, EARTHDAY.ORG has grown into one of the world’s largest environmental movements, mobilizing over one billion people annually on Earth Day and every day to protect the planet and its people. Our mission is to diversify, educate, and activate the environmental community globally. As the largest recruiter to this movement, EARTHDAY.ORG partners with more than 150,000 organizations in nearly 192 countries to promote environmental democracy. Learn more at EARTHDAY.ORG.
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